TAMPA, FLA. - According to the American Cancer Society, more than 81,000 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2012, the vast majority as a result of sun overexposure. As National Skin Cancer Awareness Month approaches and temperatures rise across the country, residents are urged to arm themselves with the information they need to stay safe.

“Contrary to popular belief, skin cancer affects people of all ages and ethnicities,” said Randy Kahn, M.D., FACRO, of Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology. “It is important to spread the word about prevention and detection, especially with the number of new melanoma cases on the rise.”

As with many cancers, the risk of developing skin cancer can be lowered by taking simple precautions and knowing how detect it at an early stage. To help, Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology shares the following tips:

Avoid the sun between its peak hours – 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

When you must be in the sun, apply sunscreen on all exposed skin (always using an SPF of 15 or higher) and wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses

Avoid tanning beds

Perform self-exams regularly, and be on the lookout for changes in your skin by remembering the ABCD’s of detection:

A stands for asymmetry: Is your mole asymmetrical?

B stands for border: Are the edges of your mole irregular or blurry?

C stands for color: Is your mole multicolored?

D stands for diameter: Is your mole larger than 6mm or the size of a pencil eraser?

“When detected at an early stage and treated properly, all types of skin cancers are highly curable,” said Kahn. “We encourage everyone to take their health into their own hands year round.”

For more information please visit: www.tbropa.com or call (866) 652-0333.